Hairdresser, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist
Salary

Hairdressers and Cosmetologists in the United States are largely women. The group as a whole has a nationwide average of $9.89 per hour for pay. Most Hairdressers and Cosmetologists like their work and job satisfaction is high. Medical and dental coverage is claimed by a little less than one-fifth, and roughly one in seven earn vision coverage. The information for this rundown comes from respondents who completed PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Hairdresser, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist

A hairdresser, hairstylist or cosmetologist generally works in a salon or barbershop. They perform tasks such as shampooing, cutting, styling and shaving clients' hair; cosmetologists may also perform beauty-related tasks such as applying makeup and skin treatments, performing manicures and pedicures, and removing hair through electrolysis. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists use many instruments in the course of a day, including brushes and combs, many kinds of scissors, hair products such as hairspray and mousse, and makeup brushes and tools. They use tools such as hair dryers, flat irons and curlers as well. Depending on their specialization, a hairdresser, hairstylist, or cosmetologist might also use hair dyes and bleaches as well.

Typically, a hairdresser, hairstylist or cosmetologist works full time during regular business hours, although their hours may vary depending on their employer's hours of operation. Some hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists are self-employed and can determine their own working hours. Clients vary; for example, some hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists specialize in men's hair, while some specialize in coloring hair or braiding. Some salons require that the hairdresser, hairstylist or cosmetologist bring in their own clients and rent a chair in the salon, whereas some pay employees by the hour or with a salary and do not require rental.

This work requires a license, obtainable by attending a state-approved cosmetology or barber school. The requirements vary by state, but these programs can generally be completed with a year of full-time study.

With rare exceptions, hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists work indoors and are on their feet for the majority of the day.

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Pay by Experience Level for Hairdresser, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Relatively untried employees who have less than five years' experience have a median salary of $24K. Those who have been around for five to 10 years can expect to take home more — $25K on average. On average, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists make $30K following one to two decades on the job. For some reason, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists with more than two decades of experience report lower paychecks overall; the median sum in this group sits near $26K.